Dr. Jim Jefferson will speak on the Adams State College campus Sept. 15

(09-09-2008)

Dr. Jim Jefferson, member of the Ute tribe and published author, will speak on the first evening of the Fifth Annual Adams State College Autumn@Adams. The event starts at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, in Carson Auditorium located in the Student Union Building. Free refreshments will be served, and there is no cost.

Originally from Ignacio, Colo., Jefferson will speak about Southern Ute Trails and the original home of the Southern Utes. He received both his master's degree and Ph.D. from Arizona State and a BS in elementary education from Utah State University. He is a Ute historian, member of the Ute tribe and author of "Southern Ute History Book."

Jefferson has a long history as a teacher at both the adult and elementary levels of education. He is currently the acting director for the Salt Lake City Indian Center Inc. in Salt Lake City, Utah. He assisted in coordinating the Folk Festival at the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D.C.; and is a Southern Ute Tribal Council Member.

Preceding Jefferson's talk is an art exhibit by Annette Troncoso, starting at 6 p.m. outside of Carson Auditorium; and a panel discussion on farm workers beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Carson Auditorium.

The 2008 Autumn@Adams theme, "Our Earth-Our Valley/Tierra Nuestra-Nuestro Valle" is dedicated to honoring and promoting the agricultural heritage of sustainable rural living in the San Luis Valley through inspiration and education.

Events continue through September 20. For a complete schedule of events, visit autumn.adams.edu or call 719-587-7827.